A patient in her twenties with Graves' disease who takes methimazole [Tapazole] tells a nurse that she is trying to conceive and asks about disease management during pregnancy. What will the nurse tell her?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methimazole is not safe during the first trimester of pregnancy, because it is associated with neonatal hypothyroidism, goiter, and cretinism; however, it is safe in the second and third trimesters. Propylthiouracil is recommended for pregnant patients only in the first trimester and during lactation only if a thionamide is absolutely necessary. Iodine-131 is used in women older than 30 years who have not responded to medication therapy and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

A Patient in Her Twenties with Graves' Disease Who Takes